06Mar 2023 by Nicole Rinaldi

Bear Lake Watch introduces legislation in Idaho to preserve the lake

Idaho News
By Rod Boam; Cache Valley Daily File photo of Bear Lake in the winter. FISH HEVAN – David and Claudia Cottle of Bear Lake Watch are introducing a resolution to the Idaho State Legislature to have Bear Lake be recognized, protected and preserved for future generations. They also want it recognized for its unique geological features, fisheries, and recreational value among other characteristics. “Idaho has preserved other lakes in their state but not Bear Lake,” Claudia said. “They have been preserving lakes in their state since the 1920’s.” The Cottles have done their homework and gained support from communities around the lake and from Pacific Corp, the power company that controls the water gates that pump water into the Bear River. They also went to the Bear River Irrigation Company…
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31Jan 2023 by Nicole Rinaldi

U of I researching artificial beaver dams as stream restoration tool

Idaho News
By John O'Connell; University of Idaho A beaver dam analog at Rinker Rock Creek Ranch. University of Idaho. University of Idaho researchers are testing artificial beaver dams as a tool to restore degraded stream systems, thereby improving riparian habitat and bolstering the late-season water supply. Known as beaver dam analogs, these structures comprise the same materials beavers use in nature, including willow boughs, sediment and stone. They cause water to pool and spill beyond the banks. The spillage supports marshland vegetation before seeping into the groundwater and re-emerging later in the season downstream. Beaver dam analogs provide an option to restore habitat where resources are insufficient to support beavers or where beavers would pose a nuisance. A team of researchers with U of I’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences…
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23May 2022 by Nicole Rinaldi

‘Better,’ but not ‘great’: Cold spring likely to extend water for recreation, irrigation

Idaho News
By Erin Banks Rusby; Idaho Press Lucky Peak Lake and Lucky Peak Dam are seen from Lucky Peak Reservoir View Point east of Boise on Wednesday. Jake King/Idaho Press BOISE — Recreation enthusiasts are predicted to get more time than originally forecasted to enjoy Lucky Peak, Cascade, and Deadwood reservoirs this year before they are drawn down to meet irrigation demand. Thanks to a cold, wet spring, Lucky Peak is forecast to reach 70% to 75% capacity this summer, said Mike Meyers, watermaster for Water District 63, which takes direction from the Idaho Department of Water Resources. This translates to two extra weeks to enjoy boating and other water sports before additional water from the reservoir will need to start being released for irrigation purposes, pushing the drawdown date to mid-July, he said. In a…
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08Feb 2022 by Nicole Rinaldi

To breach or not to breach the Snake River dams?

Idaho News
By Joel Mills; Lewiston Tribune The Little Goose Dam is seen Feb. 2 along the Snake River near Riparia, Wash. Pete Caster. Several Lewiston city councilors got behind a proposed resolution in favor of retaining the four lower Snake River dams after a presentation Monday from members of Citizens for Preservation of Fish and Dams, but one councilor said he wants a similar presentation from the other side before he casts a vote. Marvin Dugger, Dick Sherwin and Dan Caldwell from the dam preservation group offered their take in opposition to Idaho Rep. Mike Simpson’s $33 billion proposal to breach the dams to improve fish habitat. Several other area governmental entities have gone on the record in opposition to the plan, including Nez Perce County. And several city of Lewiston…
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